She nods taking a gulp of air. As scared as she is, I take pleasure in observing her reaction to my being practically naked as she rakes her eyes up and down my body. It gives me faith that there is hope for something to develop between us.
“It’s probably nothing but if it’ll make you feel better I’ll investigate.”
“Th-thank you,” her timid voice cracks.
It pisses me off that she’s this afraid of the bastard. I’ve seen my fair share of domestic disputes to know that he has hurt her mentally and physically. He better not ever show his face around here. “Stay here,” I instruct.
“Be careful.”
Her concern for me is cute. “I’ll be fine. I’m a police officer, I’ve been trained for this,” I remind her. I grab my gun from my holster even though I doubt I will need it. I slip on a pair of my sneakers not bothering to get dressed. I doubt I will find anything at all.
Outside, armed with my Maglite and weapon, I inspect the property for any signs of an intruder. When I go to the trash bins on Maggie’s side of the unit I am met with the hiss of a ferocious opossum and her babies rooting through the garbage. They managed to get one of the lids off and are having a feast.
I go back in and give her the news that she has a bandit family of opossums stealing her garbage. Relief crosses her face and I wrap her up in a bear hug, holding her head to my bare chest, rubbing soothing circles on her back. “You gonna be okay?”
“Will you stay with me, just until I get sleepy?”
“Sure. Whatever you need, pretty girl. I know you aren’t ready to let me in yet but when you are, I’ll be here.”
“I appreciate it, Calder. I do. Thank you for understanding.”
“Come on.” I lead her to the couch, and we sink down into the cushions together. I switch the TV on to a Z Nation marathon. Maggie snuggles into my shoulder and it feels right holding her in my arms. I press my lips to the top of her head when her breathing evens out. Her hair smells of cherries and vanilla as I breathe her in, enjoying this moment. For now, she’s giving me this. It’s a step forward.
My own eyes grow heavy and I lay her down on the couch then cover her with the blanket from her bed. As much as I enjoy being with her my neck will kill me at work if I don’t get a good night’s sleep.
Before I retire to my own bed, I leave her a note inviting her to go to the turtle festival with me this Saturday. It’s a big deal around here. All the businesses close for the weekend, so Maggie can’t give me the excuse that she has to work at the diner.